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Updated: Jun 12, 2026
06:29
Cardiac Magnetic Resonance for the Evaluation of Suspected Cardiac Thrombus: Conventional and Emerging Techniques
Published on: June 11, 2019
Atrial myxomas grow faster than we think
Jeroen Walpot1, Bharati Shivalkar, Inez Rodrigus
1Department of Cardiology, Admiraal De Ruyter Ziekenhuis, Vlissingen, The Netherlands. j.walpot@adrz.nl
Echocardiography (Mount Kisco, N.Y.)
|June 16, 2010
Summary
Cardiac myxoma growth is rarely documented, but this study observed a left atrial myxoma growing at 0.49 cm/month. This finding suggests cardiac myxomas may grow faster than previously believed.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Oncology
Background:
- Cardiac myxomas typically require prompt surgical removal to prevent embolic complications.
- Documented evidence of cardiac myxoma growth rates is scarce, making it a subject of ongoing debate.
Observation:
- A case study of an asymptomatic 65-year-old patient with a left atrial myxoma and pre-existing aortic valve disease.
- The patient had several years of follow-up for their aortic valve condition, allowing for observation of the myxoma.
Findings:
- A MEDLINE search using "cardiac myxoma and tumor growth" was conducted.
- The left atrial myxoma exhibited an average growth rate of 0.49 cm/month.
- This calculated growth rate indicates a potentially faster progression than commonly assumed.
Implications:
- The findings challenge the conventional understanding of cardiac myxoma growth dynamics.
- This data may influence clinical decision-making regarding the timing of surgical intervention for cardiac myxomas.
- Further research into cardiac tumor growth rates is warranted to refine treatment strategies.
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